Elizabeth Packard - Fighter for Women’s and Asylum Patient’s Rights

Therese Oneill, author of the awesome book Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Shrews and Sluts That Shaped America, joins Sara to discuss a Broad we have long been wanting to cover - the incomparable Elizabeth Packard!

When Elizabeth's Reverend jerk of a husband has her committed to an insane asylum, (for disagreeing with his preaching, nonetheless!) Elizabeth bided her time patiently, working with Dr. McFarland on what she believed would be a path to quick release back to her family. However, the charade of the doctor soon became clear, and after losing her privileges, Elizabeth was relegated to the poor wing of the hospital where she witness atrocious patient treatment, even torture.

After her eventual release, home imprisonment by husband and subsequent trial to prove her sanity, Elizabeth began a long journey not only to regain her family and rebuild her prospects (after said husband stole her every penny and moved the children far away), but she also began a new fight - for the rights of asylum patients, and the rights for women and their property under the law.

Her story and her accomplishments are remarkable - listen now for her incredible story!

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A Broad is a woman who lives by her own rules. Broads You Should Know is the podcast about the Broads who helped shape our world!

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Broads You Should Know is hosted by Sara Gorsky.

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Broads You Should Know is produced and edited by Sara Gorsky, with original music by Darren Callahan.